Neymar to PSG: Barcelona tell Brazilian ace he can move to Paris Saint-Germain for £196million fee as he says goodbye to devastated team-mates at training

NEYMAR didn’t train today and has been given permission to leave Barcelona, the club have confirmed.

Several of his team-mates had been fed up with his actions and demanded he tell them the truth about where his future lies — and he confirmed he is going.

An official Barcelona statement read:“The player Neymar Jr, accompanied by his father and agent, has informed FC Barcelona this morning of his decision to leave the club in a meeting held at the club’s offices.

“Faced with this position, the club has informed them they refer to the buy-out clause of his existing contract which as of 1 July totals €222million (£196m) which will have to be deposited in its entirety.

“Furthermore, in reply to the claim for the contract extension bonus, the club has once again made it clear that the amount remains deposited with a notary until the case is resolved.

“The player remains under contract at FC Barcelona but with temporary permission to not take part in training sessions.

“Shortly we will add the comments of club spokesman Josep Vives on the subject of Neymar.”

And his world record £196million move to Paris Saint-Germain is expected to be completed before the end of the week.

The Brazilian superstar's future has dominated this summer's transfer window.

Many of his Nou Camp team-mates had demanded answers as to where Neymar will start the season.

Andres Iniesta previously told the club he believed keeping the former Santos striker was more useful than the £200m his sale would bring in.

While Gerard Pique tweeted a picture of himself with his "friend" along with the caption "He's staying" — only to later clarify that was just his wish and not a fact.

President Javier Tebas said: “Even if PSG don’t pay Neymar’s full buy-out clause, we will report them.

“We told the PSG president at the time that we would do it and we don’t agree with PSG’s politics.

“They can’t make bigger numbers through commercial activities which better Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“I just can’t believe that.”

Neymar's desire to leave the Nou Camp is seemingly spawned by a desire to emerge from Lionel Messi's shadow.

It is understood Neymar has been offered a staggering £270m contract which will be paid in five £54m instalments to be an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup.

The deal is financed by Qatar Sports Investment, who own PSG — and would allow the 25-year-old to pay his own release clause.

At PSG, he believes he will become the central figure and therefore have a better chance of landing a maiden Ballon d'Or — despite the fact only one player from the French league has ever won the award.

La Liga chiefs have confirmed they will attempt to block any deal as they don't believe the Ligue 1 side have the means to legally complete the transfer.

Barcelona are already planning for life without the Brazilian and have earmarked Antoine Griezmann as a replacement.

However, the Frenchman has a £170m buy-out clause until September 1.

Philippe Coutinho is among their other targets, but are finding Liverpool difficult to negotiate with.

The Reds are adamant they want to hold onto one of their star men as they look to mount a title challenge — and so far rejected any Barcelona overture.

Ousmane Dembele was already a target for the Catalans before the news of Neymar’s shock departure emerged.

Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old starlet is considered one of the best prospects around.

And Barca see him as the type of player they could build their future around.

However, Dortmund are determined to hold onto the France international.

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